Teenager cutting short international duty to return in time for Monday’s game

Ben Kennedy will be back in time for Stevenage’s clash with Sky Bet League Two leaders Burton Albion on Monday.

Kennedy is in the Northern Ireland U19 squad that will play two friendly games in the Netherlands this week.

The 18-year-old will only be playing in the first match, against Netherlands U19s at Sportpark Zegersloot tonight. He will miss Northern Ireland’s game against AZ Alkmaar U19 on Saturday and instead travel back to Stevenage.

“It’ll be an honour for him and he’ll enjoy playing for his country,” said Boro manager Graham Westley. “He comes back at the weekend, hopefully to play a part on Monday.

“He’ll be back in training Saturday; he’s not playing in both games and is travelling back early. He’ll be available for selection if he looks right and the travelling hasn’t taken too much out of him.”